Skip to content

Neurodiversity

Autism and ADHD

Whether you or someone you care for has an autism or ADHD diagnosis, there are organisations to give support if you need it.

Autism

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person communicates and relates to other people and the world around them. It’s a spectrum condition which means that whilst all people with autism share certain areas of difficulty, their condition will affect them in different ways.

There are an estimated 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK. When taking into account their families, this is a total of 2.8 million people who are living with autism.

Some autistic people will have high support needs and require full-time care. Others may need a bit of support with everyday activities, while others live fully independent lives.

ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people’s behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.

Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school. Most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old, but sometimes it’s diagnosed later in childhood. Sometimes ADHD was not recognised when someone was a child, and they are diagnosed later as an adult.

People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.

Webinars

Whether you are a parent or caregiver to a neurodiverse child or teenager, or have a diagnosis yourself, browse our library of webinars related to autism and ADHD.

Each is led by our own team of service experts and partner organisations.

Topics include burnout, training for grandparents, applying for DLA / PIP, and creating a neurodiverse workplace.

Emotional School Avoidance

Book now for our next webinar

Understand the issues around Autism and ADHD and school avoidance and the options to reduce trauma.

  • Date: 17 April 2024
  • Time: 10am to 11am
  • Facilitator: Autism and ADHD

Support for you at work

If you are working and have been diagnosed with autism or ADHD, you may require support from your employer.

If you’re a serving civil servant, contact your HR Department or Workplace Adjustments Team for advice.

Phonecall

Useful organisations

There are many organisations that support people with autism and ADHD and their families. Many run local support groups and online communities.

Autism and ADHD

A community where everybody understands autism and ADHD

National Autistic Society

UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families providing support, guidance and advice.

Different Minds – Scotland

Where to get both local and national support.

ADHD UK

By people with ADHD, for people with ADHD providing information and advice.

ADHDadultUK

Peer-led support and coaching to adults with ADHD.

How we can help and support you

Anxiety

Many neurodivergent people struggle with anxiety. Here’s information and support.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness resources and courses to help manage your general wellbeing and specific health conditions.

Tom’s story
The impact of the charity’s help has not only been potentially lifesaving for my daughter, it’s provided peace of mind for the whole family.
Tom

Related pages

Male jumping for joy
Boost your wellbeing

Day-to-day wellbeing app to help you manage your wellbeing.

Caring
Caring for others

We get how hard it is to care for someone. You need care and support too. We’re here to help.

Community
Support us

Make a life-changing difference to a civil servant when they most need it. Fundraise, donate or volunteer your time.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!